Importance of seeing Jesus in all we meet
John Antone
December 25, 2010
The past is but memories retained in a wistful and sentimental mind. I think back to the first Christmas eves and Christmas mornings I experienced as a youngster and as an adult. I remember the electric train — wished for, but never received. It was always family and church. Being together at home was a gift in itself.
In time, I found that holidays lost their lustre and became a never-ending chore. There weren’t enough hours in the day to do all that needed to be done. “Silent Night” and “Oh Holy Night” did not bring thoughts of holiness and giving anymore. While Jesus was our gift of himself, of peace and goodwill to all, the “Jingle Bells Rock” generation took away my visions of the Christ child in a manger. My eyes lost the reflections of the star, with its message of hope.
I still feel a sadness when I recollect something that happened about 30 years ago. Working on Christmas Eve, I had put in a longer day than usual, having a habit of closing at noon. But everyone wanted their cars looked after before a holiday trip. It was about 4 p.m., almost dusk. Eager to get home, I had to close out the cash register, turn off the air compressor and lights, and make sure everything was locked.
Going out the door, receipts and money bag in hand, daylight was fading fast. I noticed someone approaching the gate. As the person advanced, I surmised that he was a bum or hobo just off the train. It irritated me that I would be delayed. All I wanted was to go home and celebrate Christmas. Following that tiring work day, I was in no mood for his interference and I did not appreciate his presence.
He asked, “Could you spare a dollar or two?”
“WHAT?”
“Could you spare some change?”
“NO!! GET OUT OF HERE!!”
As he backed away, head down, poorly dressed and dirty, he turned and faced me. I could see his sad eyes and face. He was scruffy, unshaven and malodorous. Then he asked, “Don’tcha even have a nickel?”
“NO — GET THE HELL OUT OF HERE!!!”
As I got into my truck, it dawned on me that I had turned away someone very important. I had failed to help my fellow man.
Darkness and fog had quickly taken over, and I couldn’t find him anywhere. Shunning him, I had turned on the No Vacancy sign, like in that inn so long ago. Although I tried, I never saw him again. But I have since learned to see Jesus in everyone I meet.
This story still haunts me when I see homeless or downtrodden individuals. They cannot be happy with their present circumstance. Neither should I be.
Even though this experience happened long ago, I still chastise myself whenever I encounter any individual in need. A wave or smile is often recognition enough. While making home visits and meeting with the folks in need, I now recognize the likeness of who they represent.
John Antone is a member of St. Alice Catholic Church, and District Council president for Lane County’s Society of St. Vincent de Paul. This column is coordinated by Lane Interfaith Alliance to offer inspiration, share personal spiritual experiences and bring a deeper understanding of individual faith perspectives with the intention of blessing our community. For information, visit www.laneinterfaithalliance.org or call 541-344-0430.